Resilience & Society

Idlib ceasefire is holding and could open door to long-term Syria solution, US envoy says

By David A. Wemer

The ceasefire negotiated between Russia and Turkey to halt fighting in the Syrian province of Idlib appears to be holding, US Special Representative for Syria Engagement and Special Envoy to the Global Coalition To Defeat ISIS Ambassador James F. Jeffrey said on April 30. “We have heard from many sources, even many Russian [ones], that there is a general feeling that this ceasefire is living up to expectations,” according to Jeffrey.

Preparations for future treatment advance; Shell slashes dividend, Europe holds back on stimulus plan

By Atlantic Council

Efforts to find a vaccine for coronavirus registered some progress, with a focus on ramping up production even before any treatment is approved for human use. Energy giant Shell slashed its dividend and said changes to consumer behavior may be here to stay. The European Central Bank kept its powder dry on further stimulus measures.

Broadening Ukraine’s foreign policy horizons in the post-coronavirus world

By Hanna Shelest

Ukraine's foreign policy has traditionally focused on the choice between Russia and the West, but the country could benefit from a more global approach to diplomacy with clearly defined regional strategies.

Building Virtual Communities: The Power of Technology to Connect People

Today’s technology has become the connective tissue of our physically distant lives and positioned us to quickly learn about and respond to COVID-19.

US commercial policy in Africa: A new normal?

By Africa Center

On Wednesday, April 29, the Africa Center hosted a virtual roundtable on the impacts of COVID-19 on US commercial policy toward Africa. The private discussion featured Ms. Victoria Whitney, the Chief Operating Officer of Prosper Africa, and Mr. Andrew Herscowitz, the Chief Development Officer at the US International Development Finance Corporation.

Coronavirus has exposed the United States’ own political virus

By John Raidt

Well before COVID-19 upended the world, another kind of virulence was seizing the United States by the throat—a lethal strain of division and dysfunction infecting the nation’s body politic. Though US economic indicators had been climbing to new heights, the public perceived the danger in political indicators tumbling to alarming new lows.

US economy contracts as virus hits demand, business; European countries dig in for lengthy reopening

By Atlantic Council

The US economy contracted in the first quarter as the virus hit consumer demand and businesses closed. Economies from France to Spain and Greece set out plans for a lengthy and gradual reopening of their economies. Some early, tentative signs of an uptick in economic activity emerged, but consumers are likely to remain leery of travel and public events until a proven vaccine is in place.